Australia has long had a positive working relationship with Hong Kong through official ties with organizations like the Hong Kong Australia Business Association, as well as through the many unofficial ties generated by the nearly 100,000 Australians living and working in the city. A melting pot of 7 million people, Hong Kong is one of the world's top three financial centers, which makes business and finance a central part of daily life. While living and working in Hong Kong can be full of adventure and wonder; it can also feel a bit overwhelming to an Australian fresh off the boat — even if you have a good job lined up. If you're considering going to work in one of the world's most fascinating cities, here is a closer look at what you'll be getting yourself into.

English Is the Language of Commerce

While the vast majority of Hong Kong's population descended from immigrants of the Canton province, both Cantonese and English are official languages. When it comes to commerce of any kind, however, English surpasses Cantonese in use, which makes hailing from Australia a boon. Whether you secure work in finance or as an English instructor, your native language is an essential part of succeeding in Hong Kong.

The Humidity

For Australians, the summer humidity in Hong Kong can be a significant shock. A subtropical climate that's heavily influenced by monsoons, when it isn't the spring's typhoon season, the humidity often hovers around 98 percent, with temperatures above 30 degrees. If you spend any time outside air conditioning in the summer and early fall, you can't help but sweat. Thankfully, late fall and winter provide a welcome and temperate break from the humidity and heat. In fact, Australians should consider moving after summer's heat has faded by booking their flight to Hong Kong during the pleasant fall and winter months.

Amazing Infrastructure

One aspect of Hong Kong that's easy to love and appreciate is the impressive infrastructure that keeps the island running at all hours of the night and day. Taxis and buses are reliable, and they run 24 hours a day. Both the aboveground and underground rail systems are likewise reliable, and they're also fast and inexpensive.

"Peter Pan" Lifestyle

Much has been made about the "Peter Pan" lifestyle that most young adults living in Hong Kong — both natives and expats alike — seem to adopt. Both men and women routinely party and play hard well into their 30s and beyond, which can make relationships and dating a bit difficult for someone looking to settle down and get off the party train. While there is certainly plenty of fun to be had at all hours of the night, for Australian expats looking for a little stability in their schedule and social life, Hong Kong can be a challenge.

English Common Law and Freedom

While it's technically a part of the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong Basic Law is based on English common law, rather than the type of law that governs the rest of China. Because of this, Australians won't feel nearly as constrained in their behavior or expression as they likely would on mainland China. Additionally, Hong Kong enjoys free speech and a free press — yet another bonus for expats who want to experience a different culture, but aren't eager to feel overly controlled by the state.

It's Truly a Melting Pot

While Hong Kong is over 93 percent ethnic Chinese, it has been influenced over the decades by such myriad cultures that it really is a melting pot of multiple cultural identities. Over one million expats live and work in Hong Kong, and while the vast majority of these are Chinese, the effects of years of British colonial rule, Chinese culture, people and businesses from the Indian subcontinent, and much more have made the area diverse and vibrant. Nearly all nationalities and people groups are represented in Hong Kong, which means you will live around and work with people you would have never encountered had you stayed at home in Australia. For a taste of global life, Hong Kong provides a unique and robust experience.

Moving away from home into a completely different culture is never a wholly easy or enjoyable task, and for Australians living and working in Hong Kong, that truth is readily known. That being said, few places provide the kinds of opportunities and easy transitions that are inherent within Hong Kong's culture, which make it the perfect destination for anyone longing for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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